CHINA BIODOSIMETRY: Development of radiation-responsive bioassays for biodosimetry applications

Introduction

The CHINA BIODOSIMETRY project aims at developing and evaluating bioassays to assess radiation dose rapidly in case of mass-casualty and population-monitoring scenarios. The contract includes an evaluation of potential biomarkers (molecular and proteic) that could provide early information after exposure to medium and low X-rays fluences.

This project was submitted in 2007 in the context of the bilateral cooperation agreement between Belgium and China. On the Belgian side, SCK•CEN is the coordinator of the project with the University of Namur as a sub-contractor. On the Chinese side, the China Institute for Radiation Protection is the scientific partner.

CHINA BSIODOSIMETRY is a project within the framework of BELSPO, the Belgian Science Policy.

Project description

Although still in its infancy as a scientific discipline, the study of radiation biomarkers includes DNA mutations, gene expression array technologies. A few highly over-expressing sentinel radiation-responsive targets have already been identified. However, the human genome has some 30,000 to 50,000 genes that represent the template for many more protein isoforms, generally with proteomic patterns specific to cell types and tissues.

Biological monitoring of molecular and proteic biomarkers can provide radiation exposure assessment. However, additional studies are needed to validate candidate protein biomarkers for applied biological dosimetry applications.

Diagnostic assessment of radiation exposure is necessary to support triage of radiation casualties and develop treatment strategies for individuals exposed to life-threatening injuries.